8/14/2019 US-China Relations k2 peace+stability.docx

1/1

U.S.-China Relations Impact Peace and StabilityBendsten 10/28 [

As the relationship between China and the U.S. evolves, how the two

will work together on a global scale is becoming increasingly

important. As we look to the future, the key question is Can the U.S. and China worktogether to solve the worlds important challenges despite different economic systems anddivergent views on such matters as democracy, religious freedom, civil liberties and the rule oflaw? former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said during an event about the U.S.-Chinarelationship Monday. In my view, this is certainly possible, so long as we recognize ourdisagreements and core differences with maturity, confront our challenges directly, and haveleaders on both sides that are committed to this relationship.The seventh annual China TownHall, during which Ohio State and 65 other venues hosted local speakers Monday in a two-hourevent, featured a webcast discussion on the subject of U.S.-China relations between Albright in

Washington, D.C., and Stephen Orlins, president of the National Committee on U.S.-ChinaRelations.U.S.-China relations are the defining relationship of the 21st century, and getting thatrelationship right is the key to peace and stability throughout the world, Orlins said.On OSUscampus, a few dozen students and others gathered at the Mershon Center for InternationalSecurity Studies to watch the discussion and hear from former American diplomat LloydNeighbors, who spoke about his time in China before fielding questions from the audience.Compared to the fear some Americans have of Chinas swift economic rise, Neighbors spoke of therelationship in a much more lighthearted tone, keeping the audience engaged with quips andrecollections about the challenges of diplomacy between the two world powers.Neighborsrecounted his four-decade tenure in China that left him with a catalogue of behind-the-scenesstories about U.S.-China affairs, like former U.S. President Ronald Reagans propensity forrambling on with personal anecdotes while ambassadors tried to brief him about the country.Despite concern from the public, Neighbors told The Lanternbefore the event that Chinas rise isunlikely to create major economic problems for the U.S. Its possible, but trade partners alwayshave all sorts of conflicts and disagreements. There could be some disagreements, but I dont seeit as a profoundly negative influence. I see it as a positive one, binding us to one another, he said. Instead, the biggest challenges for the two nations relationships lies in how they handle disputes

regarding other countries.Like Neighbors, Albright said the relationship between the U.S. andChina is generally positive, and the major concerns stressing the relationship are Chinaseconomic imbalance, its tightening of free expression and its controversy over currency exchanges.

Albright said the world needs China to step up on the world stage. Although the U.S. is theindispensable nation, Albright said the issues of terrorism and nuclear proliferation requireinput from all major powers.Max Mauerman, a third-year in political science and economics, saidhe came to the event after getting involved in international affairs through the OSU CollegiateCouncil on World Affairs.The Albright thing was interesting, but I feel like it was nothing Ihadnt heard before. I thought the question and answer with Mr. Neighbors was actually moreinteresting though, and to get the chance to talk to someone in person about that, Mauermansaid.Jeff Chan, assistant director of OSUs Institute for Chinese Studies, told The Lanternthere

were no costs to OSU for the event, aside from snacks provided to attendees.Chan said he hopesNeighbors presentation gave the audience a credible perspective on topics concerning China.

Not everyone can ask Madeleine Albright questions, but at least theres a local speaker who canhopefully illuminate issues that they have concerning China, Chan said.